The owners of this 10.9ha Hunua country property have loved raising their young family here over the past eight years.
They almost missed the opportunity to live in paradise however, because it was purely by chance that they viewed the property back in 2018.
“It came on the market in December,” one of them shares. “We were meant to go and view a property in Pukekawa but decided to look at this one first. We fell in love with it and never went to Pukekawa!
“What drew us in was the property’s unique rural charm and beautiful setting, shaped by generations of farming, with magnificent, mature oak and pūriri trees that reflect its long history.
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“The land has lovely contour, great views and exceptional privacy, yet is surprisingly close to Papakura, the airport and key transport hubs. We knew we’d have to renovate but there is an existing two-bedroom cottage on-site that we lived in during the process.”
The property is woven into local history, with the Middleton family purchasing the property in 1940 and naming it Fairmount. Although the Middletons had long sold it on, they passed on a book of historical photos to the current owners when they purchased the property.
They used these as inspiration in their quest to preserve the original character in their contemporary reimagining. As it was stripped right back to its framing extensively renovated and fitted with double glazing, the home is now a modern country house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office.
Its original character was preserved through the exterior detailing, colour scheme and wide weatherboard cladding. Special touches inside include a feature wall in the family room created using recycled native timber from the original house, along with the restored original ceiling and the large barn door milled from a huge macrocarpa tree on the property.
Sunny and stylish spaces enjoy lovely rural views and each of the bedrooms has large built-in wardrobes.
“It’s so tranquil and such a haven here,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
The main home is a modern country house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office with special touches such as the large barn door milled from a huge macrocarpa tree on the property. Photo / Supplied
The 10.9ha property generates income from renting the cottage, selling premium hay and farming livestock. Photo / Supplied
Alongside their beautifully reimagined home, the family have loved living on and working the land. Acreage of this quality, so close to town, is rare.
“It’s so tranquil and such a haven here – the kids ride their motorbikes and ponies. We also have a sand arena to ride in – the kids don’t know how lucky they are!”
Another huge bonus here is that the property also generates income from renting the cottage, selling premium hay and farming livestock. A native planting block may offer a further opportunity through the Emissions Trading Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Location-wise, the owner believes Hunua’s potential has yet to be fully recognised compared with Clevedon and Karaka. It offers excellent quality farmland and proximity to town and the motorway, while retaining its rural charm and character without the same development and traffic pressures.
“Hunua is such a great place to live. The community is awesome with an amazing country school. It offers that perfect balance of enjoying that country feel without being remote.”
Barfoot & Thompson agent Trudy Boyce: “The generous landholding provides the opportunity to enjoy a smaller-scale farming lifestyle.” Photo / Supplied
Famed Hunua Falls is only a six-minute drive away from the property. Photo / Supplied
As well as being handy to existing motorway connections, Hunua is close to Drury and all its significant planned growth, development and transport links.
Famed Hunua Falls that is part of the Hunua Regional Park is also only a six-minute drive away.
Trudy Boyce, from Barfoot & Thompson, is selling the property and says, “the current owners have transformed the property, all the hard work has been done, and someone can just walk in here and enjoy it”.
“The generous landholding provides the opportunity to enjoy a smaller-scale farming lifestyle. You sense the charm of yesteryear the moment you arrive.
“There is a truly special ambience to this property – a feeling of warmth, character and timeless appeal that is difficult to replicate,” says Trudy.
34 Middleton Road in Hunua, Franklin, goes to auction on November 12.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
